Congress considers Bangladeshi infiltrators as vote bank, claims Amit Shah
Borduwa (Assam) (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday accused the Congress of considering Bangladeshi infiltrators, who threatened Assam's people, their culture, land and identity, as its vote bank.
Addressing a public rally here, Shah said the Centre would identify all illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country, not only from Assam but also from the rest of India.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only "ensured the protection of the cultural identity of the Assamese people but also focused on all-around development of the state".
The home minister inaugurated the Rs 227 crore redevelopment project of the Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, here in Nagaon district.
Shah said it was a historic occasion that the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva has been "freed from encroachment".
"The state government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has freed over 1 lakh bighas of land from Bangladeshi infiltrators," he said.
"Give the BJP another five years to ensure infiltrator-free Assam," he told the people at the rally.
''We will identify all Bangladeshi infiltrators not only from Assam but also from the rest of India'', he said.
Sankardeva had given the call of 'Ek Bharat', which the PM is now following, Shah added.
''The Prime Minister has taken steps to ensure peace and development in Assam, which is not only on paper but a reality," he said.
The BJP government during the last 11 years have signed peace accords with various militant outfits in the state and 92 per cent of the clauses of these agreements have been fulfilled, he added.
VIDEO | Nagaon: Addressing a public rally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (@AmitShah) says, "Congress treated infiltrators - who threatened the people, culture and identity of Assam - as its vote bank."#AmitShah #Assam #Congress
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 29, 2025
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/n5FSa7mWeY
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Kogilu house demolitions: KSHRC flags possible rights violations, seeks govt response
Bengaluru (PTI): A team from the KSHRC on Monday visited the site where several "illegal houses" were demolished in Kogilu in the northern part of the city and said that, prima facie, it appears proper alternative arrangements were not made for the residents, a matter that will be verified.
Karnataka State Human Rights Commission Chairperson T Sham Bhatt said the case has been referred to the commission’s investigation wing to examine allegations of human rights violations and to determine whether legal provisions were followed during the demolition. Based on the preliminary report, initial recommendations will be made to the government.
The demolition of houses at Kogilu’s Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony on December 20 was carried out by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited to clear encroachments for a proposed solid waste processing unit, officials said.
They added that the houses were constructed without official permission and that most occupants were migrants from other states.
"Our officers will conduct inquiries, and affected people will need to submit relevant documents during the process. If it is government land, we will examine records and make recommendations to the government," Bhatt told reporters.
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"Meanwhile, residents allege that no alternate arrangements were made before the demolitions, although media reports indicate temporary shelter centres were opened at a distance. We will look into all of this," he added.
Further, Bhatt said, "Considering all factors, we will make preliminary recommendations to the government for now. After a proper inquiry, a detailed report will be submitted subsequently."
Responding to questions, the chairperson said that prima facie, based on residents’ accounts, there appears to be a human rights violation.
"However, we cannot conclude anything without verifying the documents. As it is said to be government land, we will serve notice to the government and seek a report on actions taken in accordance with the law. Based on this, we will decide and make recommendations," he said.
Bhatt stated that notices have been served to the deputy commissioner of the district and the Greater Bengaluru Authority, who are required to submit their responses within seven days.
"We have not examined any documents so far. We have only come here to assess the ground situation," he added.
Preliminary recommendations to the government will focus on providing temporary shelters and basic facilities, such as water, to families affected by the demolition.
The issue turned into a political row after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal criticised the demolition. Following this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the government is considering rehabilitating genuine residents among those evicted.
